Describe a time when you've been overwhelmed with work.

1 Answer

Answer :

Show how you were able to over the "overwhelmed" feeling - by delegating tasks, getting people on your team to help you out, or by prioritizing your work and focusing on the most important issues first.

Related questions

Description : Describe a time where you've failed and bounced back.

Last Answer : Share a story to describe this. For example: "I accidentally made the mistake of telling a customer I could deliver on a solution set on a certain date and then later found out our business ... this and that I should always check with my counterparts first before committing to a statement of work."

Description : You’ve been with your firm a long time. Won’t it be hard switching to a new company? 

Last Answer : TRAPS: Your interviewer is worried that this old dog will find it hard to learn new tricks. BEST ANSWER: To overcome this objection, you must point to the many ways you have grown and ... you should be quite comfortable working there, since their needs and your skills make a perfect match.   

Description : Why do you think you’ve been successful in your career so far?

Last Answer : I've been successful so far because I've always worked very hard and I've always been willing to accept any challenges that are offered to me. Actually, I usually seek them out. I have excellent time- ... to think he had anything to do with his own success. If he doesn't believe it, who will?

Description : Tell about the most dicult or frustrating individual that you've ever had to work with, and how you managed to work with that person.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. Explain how you were able to work with the dicult individual, and were able to mediate the situation.

Description : Give two examples of things you've done in previous jobs or school that demonstrate your willingness to work hard.

Last Answer : It would be good to have an example from school and from work. Explain what you did and why you wanted to work hard, and how you managed your time.

Description : What's the least rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Last Answer : Describe work you've done that you feel doesn't take advantage of your full potential. For example, "I once had to make paper copies for my job and I feel it didn't take full advantage of my skills. ... me to be humble in my work and to appreciate a good opportunity when it arose to use my skills"

Description : What's the most rewarding work you've ever done and why?

Last Answer : Companies love it when you discuss how you've made an impact on your teammates, clients, or partners in the business or in school. It should be rewarding because of the hard work and creative process that you've put into it.

Description : Describe a time when you got co-workers or classmates who dislike each other to work together. How did you accomplish this? What was the outcome?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how well you can mediate a situation and handle conflict. You want to come across as someone who can compromise when necessary.

Description : It seems like you’ve accomplished a lot. I know everyone fails, at least occasionally. Tell me about something you failed at.

Last Answer : When I was a freshman in college, I decided to run for president of the management club. My opponent was in his junior year. I came up with what I thought and still think was a great ... must give a more detailed answer. This one leaves the interviewer to wonder why the applicant lost the election.

Description : What one thing do you think you’ve done very well on your last job?

Last Answer : I think I was very successful in all aspects of my last job. I'm particularly proud of my work with new hires. I developed programs that helped integrate them into the company and this in turn helped our ... . If not, it appears that you can't think of anything you did well at your last job.

Description : Tell me about a professional assignment you've handled.

Last Answer : Give an example of an assignment you've done, what the assignment was, how you did it, and what the results were.

Description : What is the biggest mistake you've made?

Last Answer : Focus on your learning experiences from your mistake.

Description : What are the goals you've set for yourself?

Last Answer : You could discuss your goals with regards to these categories: Career goals, impact you want to leave on society, financial goals, academic goals, charitable goals.

Description : What is the most important lesson / skill you've learned from school?

Last Answer : Think of lessons learned in extra curricular activities, in clubs, in classes that had a profound impact on your personal development. For example, I had to lead a team of 5 people on a ... to get people with drastically dierent personalities to work together as a team to achieve our objective.

Description : What are ideas or initiatives you've led and what was the outcome?

Last Answer : Describe your most unique ideas and initiatives that had the best results for the company. Make sure you highlight your creativity, your results, your diligence and your ability to execute.

Description : Tell me about a dicult decision you've made in the last year.

Last Answer : We all have dicult decisions in our lives. Show how you were able to arrive at it and then how you decisively acted.

Description : Tell me about a problem that you’ve solved in a unique or unusual way. What was the outcome? Were you happy or satisfied with it?

Last Answer : In this question the interviewer is basically looking for a real life example of how you used creativity to solve a problem.

Description : Tell me about any issues you've had with a previous boss?

Last Answer : Arrgh! If you fall for this one you shouldn't be hired anyway. The interviewer is testing you to see if you'll speak badly about your previous supervisor. Simply answer this question with extreme tact, diplomacy and if necessary, a big fat loss of memory. In short, you've never had any issues.

Description : Tell me something negative you’ve heard about our company… 

Last Answer : TRAPS: This is a common fishing expedition to see what the industry grapevine may be saying about the company. But it's also a trap because as an outsider, you never want to be the bearer of ... ANSWER: Just remember the rule - never be negative - and you'll handle this one just fine.   

Description : What was the toughest challenge you’ve ever faced?

Last Answer : TRAPS: Being unprepared or citing an example from so early in your life that it doesn't score many points for you at this stage of your career. BEST ANSWER: This is an easy ... in demand, such as leadership, initiative, managerial skill, persuasiveness, courage, persistence, intelligence, etc.   

Description : Tell me about the most boring job you’ve ever had. 

Last Answer : TRAPS: You give a very memorable description of a very boring job. Result? You become associated with this boring job in the interviewer's mind. BEST ANSWER: You have never allowed yourself to ... 's probably because you're not challenging yourself to tackle those problems right under your nose.  

Description : Describe how you accomplished a work-related goal.

Last Answer : When I started working for Daylight Publications, I discovered that I had inherited a huge file cabinet full of photographs. We used photographs in our magazine but usually wound up purchasing stock photos, ... able to do it. This in no way demonstrates any job-related skills the interviewee has.

Description : Can you describe your ideal work environment?

Last Answer : I want to work in an environment where I can use my presentation skills to help the company increase its client roster. It's important that I work in a fast-paced environment, because I like ... employer's offices, this answer doesn't say anything about the job or her qualifications for it.

Description : Describe your most meaningful work experience.

Last Answer : Describe a work experience that was meaningful; explain what you were doing and why it was meaningful to you. What did you learn?

Description : Describe a situation where your work was criticized.

Last Answer : Explain the situation and what the criticism was. How did you correct the problem? How did you handle the criticism?

Description : Describe what a "lot of work" looks like to you.

Last Answer : Ideally you'd like to state that you can take on a lot of work - this shows your work ethic, but at the same time it's okay to tell them that you value work and life balance.

Description : Describe what a bad work environment would look like to you.

Last Answer : There could be a multitude of things to discuss here: Business ethics (wrongdoing), inconsiderate teammates, non-supportive management, a product that does not do what you're promising customers and so forth.

Description : Describe your work style.

Last Answer : Describe the positive aspects of your work style if possible, including: work ethic, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, skill sets (analytical or otherwise), leadership abilities, communication skills.

Description : Describe a typical work week?

Last Answer : When an interviewer asks you about your previous job, he may raise such a question as please describe a typical work week of yours . Hearing the answer and the interviewer may have an overview about ... you process an order, supervise a work . If such is not related to your current application job.

Description : How would you describe your work style?

Last Answer : This is the chance for you to impress the interviewer if such a question like this is asked. Work style is important to every firm and you may expect this question in the interview. So, remember ... my work very effectively. That's why my record has proven my efficiency in dealing with multi-tasks.

Description : How would you describe a positive company culture in which to work?

Last Answer : Team Environment, dynamic busy team, challenging, room for progression, recognition for team contribution, effective upward and downward management.

Description : Can you describe how you you work under pressure

Last Answer : Use this opportunity to discuss times when you have to make difficult decisions, prioritise work and perhaps delegate.

Description : Describe a typical work week?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Answer tips/answer samples: When an interviewer asks you about your previous job, he may raise such a question as please describe a typical work week of yours . Hearing the ... process an order, supervise a work . If such is not related to your current application job.

Description : How would you describe your work style?

Last Answer : Interview questions: How would you describe your work style? Answer tips/answer samples: This is the chance for you to impress the interviewer if such a question like this is asked. Work style is ... and cooperate well with my team members. That's given me much advantages in dealing with tasks.

Description : Describe the pace at which you work?

Last Answer : Interview questions: Answer tips/answer samples: Be careful, as quickly is not necessarily good as well as slowly. Some firms, or more exactly, some jobs, may require you work in fast pace and ... deal with the job comfortably without much hardship. That's how you win the favor of the interviewer.

Description : Describe your work ethic?

Last Answer : Describe your work ethic? Answer tips Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination to get the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good. Use examples and briefly describe your ... each task that's assigned to me. I am a hard worker and it shows through my work.

Description : UPS and Fedex appear to have been totally overwhelmed with this year's deliveries. Who will benefit from their screwups?

Last Answer : Do you have a link regarding fedex and UPS not delivering as promised?

Description : Have you ever been overwhelmed by your own thoughts?

Last Answer : It’s your process and it’s working for you. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Description : When have you been overwhelmed with compassion?

Last Answer : Being compassionate may be one of the human characteristics. I have felt compassionate on very many ocassions. People are also suffering so much in the world. There was this poor family who had a baby girl ... was overcome with sorrow. However I learnt life is too short and we are here for a season.

Description : Describe a time when you had to make a dicult choice between your personal and professional (or academic) life.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see whether you're willing to go the extra mile for the company. Give an example that shows your dedication, without giving too many details about your family life. Also, you don't want to come across as though you hate your family either.

Description : Describe a time when you took personal accountability for a conflict and initiated contact with the individual(s) involved to explain your actions.

Last Answer : This question is designed to see how you handle conflict and to see whether you can move beyond it. The company also wants to know that you can take accountability and responsibility and not put it on someone else.

Description : Describe the last time that you undertook a project that demanded a lot of initiative.

Last Answer : Describe that you take initiative and are self-driven. You want to give an example that is recent, because it shows that you still have initiative, not that you had it 12 years ago.

Description : Describe a time when you put your needs aside to help a co-worker or classmate understand a task. How did you assist him or her? What was the result?

Last Answer : This is a question that deals with communicating ideas and how eectively you can train someone else. Describe what you do to train someone and how you break things down into a level they can understand.

Description : Describe a situation that required a number of things to be done at the same time. How did you handle it? What was the result?

Last Answer : This question is designed to see if you have the ability to multitask. Give an example of how you've successfully juggled many things at once.

Description : Describe a time when you had to use your written communication skills to get an important point across.

Last Answer : This is a good time to explain how well you use email, or how you create charts or diagrams. If you've ever created a training manual or procedures manual, talk about that. The interviewer wants to know that you are a good writer.

Description : Describe a time when you were faced with problems or stresses that tested your coping skills.

Last Answer : Give an example of a situation where you correctly used your coping skills. Explain the situation, what you did to cope, what the result was, and how others reacted to the result.

Description : Describe a time when you had to help a coworker out that did not directly benefit you?

Last Answer : There should be many times where you've assisted others. If you haven't, think of how you would in the future. You can discuss charitable causes, how you mentored someone, and so on.

Description : Describe to me a time where you had to make a hard decision.

Last Answer : Hard decisions are hard for a reason. It could dramatically eect the company. It could aect other workers. So if you have a story about how you made a hard decision and had a good outcome, ... explain how you would have changed the way you approached the decision to show you learned how to improve.

Description : Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.

Last Answer : The key here is to show that you were proactive. How did you find out about the potential problems? How did you address it quickly?

Description : Describe a time when you put your needs aside to help a co-worker understand a task. How did you assist them? What was the result?

Last Answer : The key is to show that the mentoring of a co-worker was first a higher priority than the task you had at hand (remember, you want to show that you focus on highest priority tasks first). Then, describe in ... do it on their own. You want to teach them HOW to fish and not to simply fish for them.